Students on Strike over High Accommodation Fees

Students on strike over rent at University College London (UCL) have criticised the institution for reportedly undermining their campaign.

Close to 1,000 students are withholding rent payments from the university as they protest against the high cost of accommodation. After agreeing to enter into negotiations with student representatives, it's understood that the institution has now levied a £25 fine for every student taking part in the strike, although it's argued by the university that this is standard practice for late payments.

In response, cut the rent campaigners (CTR) have urged strikers not to be intimidated by the fine and to continue to withhold rent until negotiations have reached a satisfactory conclusion. CTR has also announced plans to disrupt a university open day being held in June, as the group looks to achieve a 40% rent cut.

UCL have indicated that such a large cut to rent payments would result in a huge loss on student accommodation if the measure were to come into force.

It's estimated that currently the total amount of rent being withheld from University College London is in the region of £1 million.